Tools for this page
Print

Between Mom and Jo

(2008, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Julie Peters)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Tender tale about a boy whose moms split up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Nick sees his mom in a long kiss; a babysitter asks if he has seen his moms having sex; some other general talk about sex, condoms, etc.
  • Language:

    Nick gets called homophobic names; lots of other words like "Jesus," "hell," "crap."
  • Consumerism:

    Some junk food like KFC, Red Bull, Coke, Jell-O
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Jo is an alcoholic who gets drunk and makes a scene at Nick's birthday.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Between Mom and Jo

Parents need to know that this book centers on a boy growing up with two moms. There is some heavy stuff: Jo is an alcoholic, Erin has breast cancer -- and then there is the main crisis: They split up, leaving Nick sad and angry (and Jo without any rights). There is some swearing, some mentions of junk food brands, and Nick has to deal with some harassment from his peers (and even one prejudiced teacher).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about other books and media about gay families. Do you think that these books are only helpful to kids like Nick growing up with gay parents -- or do kids with straight parents have something to gain from them too? Does this book do anything to change -- or reinforce -- your feelings about gay families, especially around their quest for legal rights?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Between Mom and Jo?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Inspiring Tale

    This book points out that the right way is not always immediately apparent. Jo, Mom, and Nick are all believable characters. There is a bit of iffy content about sex discussions, gay slurs, and alcoholism. Altogether, the book portrays the family so honestly that you feel like you're part of it. Wonderful book.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Game of the Week

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name